Sunday, December 21, 2008

Yuri 'Iceman' Gagarine pilots his Mig 15 down 'Mig Alley' in February 1953 Gagarine never got over the joshing he constantly got over sharing a name with the first cosmonaut He died tragically while attempting to defrost his Gaz tourer on a cold Moscow morning Following a hearty breakfast of Vodka, he had lit a wood fire under the radiator.

Mikhael Gregorevich Leermontov, a hero of his time, felt more at home in the seat of his Mig 17 once he had had it replaced with the seat from his family's tractor in Minsk.

Vasili Ivanovich Krapov made a gift of his Fishbed to the people of Uraguay, when he flew off course during the Latin American Soccer Wars of the late 60s.His original plan had been to defect to Peru, but navigation had never been his strong suit. In fact, althoughVasili was a nice kid, he was as sharp as a wet sponge.

Into the wild red, white and blue yonder

From the awesome John Kratovil we have received a sweet bunch of planes.Thanks for all the art John!

A lesser known variant of the great Curtiss persuit family, the Pigeon had made it's mark in history by possessingan unrivalled lack of overall performance. The type was therefore decommissioned within the same month of adoption.Most of the airframes were relegated to amusement parks, while the remainder had been recycled into outdoor furniture.

Dortwunder-Pfoltz, D.P. 208, of the 5th detachment "Zerstorer Flugzeug".Mid October 1952, San Carlos, Venezuela.This is a long lost drawing that turned up thanks to Simon. It was a surprize to me, because I honestly can'tremember drawing it at all.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

From the illustrious Dave Gordon we have, the "Buckaroo Butte Scout", this is one sweeeeeet illo. Absolutely beautiful! I wonder if you could stow a fly rod in there?You can check out Dave's stuff at: http://illustrationranch.com.Welcome aboard Dave and a great big thank you for the art.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

This was drawn back in the mid 90's, Rick Rudder and his faithful mechanic Suds, are members of the fearsome 466thU.S.A.F Parasite Fighter Squadron, 1956. Dropping out of bombays and into combat, the parasite fighters protect their bomber formations.These amazing aircraft and intrepid pilots are in a league of their own.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

The "Grom" as it was called, meaning "thunder", was undeniably an awesome aircraft indeed.Designed specifically for the "Morskaya Aviatsiya" (Soviet Naval Air Service), as a fighter/strike aircraft in the Bering Sea Campaign.The Grom soon became a tactical favorite.Enhanced by the warmed-up 2.300 Hp. Klimov engine and armed with twin 75mm. cannon, this seaplane was a tough and versatile opponent against the Imperial Japanese Navy.

In a desperate attempt to curtail German bombers over Soviet territory, Yuri Vladinov himself designed the Nakovalinya. Conceived from the start as a jet powered "Ramming Aircraft", allowed this fighter the capability of either firing their cannon at bomber formations, or simply flying through them.

Friday, June 27, 2008

The Giganticus was designed as a mega class bomber, however, the experiment had gone too far.This behemoth's sheer size and mass, prohibited it's own construction. Mainly because there were no fabricationplants large enough to even build a singular example.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Dornier Uberfalke over Norway, wating to pounce on a bomber formation.

During what was clearly the "Jet-age", Dornier pushed yet another prop driven fighter design.This time, with an emphasis on handling, firepower and good all-round vision.A compound-turbo augmented Daimler-Hirsch engine was adopted, providing a boost up to 4.100 hp.,and this allowed for a top speed of 475 mph. The 690 would prove to be a formidable opponent against next generation of enemy jet fighters.

Monday, June 9, 2008

A civil aircraft to begin with, the Bravador was only licensed as a light freighter, but in due course, it became a liaison aircraft for mid level government figures, and technical engineers. This aircraft did not survive the 30's and was also of no great consequence in history.

Blohm & Voss BV 450 K, of the Kriegsmarine Luftdienst, (Naval Air Force) Newfoundland. Powered by a Benz turboprop engine with contra rotating propellers. Designed as a naval dive-bomber, this type was a complete and utter #$@*-UP. Dubbed with the unflattering name of "Scheissekasten" (Shitbox) by it's surviving pilots.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

The Velospeed, was a 1930's racing aircraft. Owned by the Uppingham Flying Club, it was qualified for the "Codrington Cup",however, it failed to enter the finals, with a staggeringly low speed of 67.3 mph.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Saturday, May 31, 2008

The SG-6 Shinkou Boke or "Rising Fool", was to be Japan's singular attempt at a v.t.o.l. aircraft.However, due to increasing wartime restrictions, the Shiguri company was forced to use inferior materials on this project.Namely, the liberal use of bamboo on most structures, a treacherous material at best. That, perhaps lead to the prototype's very demise. Yet, the Shinkou Boke had Some rather interesting features. To begin with,it was armed with one 75mm cannon (whose breech almost filled the cockpit) and one 50 cal. machine gun. The pilot sat on a pivoting seat for transitional purposes, but, if not careful could strike their head on the cannon. Lastly, the rear portion of the fuselage, had to be extensively glazed, in order for the pilot to view down for a landing.